Message from the Mayor | ourballarat autumn 2024
Delivering a strong and innovative economy and city is one of the goals outlined in the Council Plan 2021-2025. However, innovation often requires imagination - specifically, being able to imagine a future that is very different from today. That is what we are asking you to do throughout this edition of ourballarat.
There is great opportunity to facilitate growth not only for Ballarat, but for the whole region, through investment in the Ballarat Airport. From unlocking economic opportunities by giving local businesses access to new markets, to the potential for passenger travel from Ballarat, the sky is the limit at the Ballarat Airport.
This untapped potential is why the City of Ballarat will be seeking community feedback on a draft Ballarat Airport Strategy and Master Plan 2024. The Draft Master Plan will set out the potential role, uses and growth opportunities for the airport in the next 20 years. I’d encourage you to come on this journey with us and imagine an innovative future by contributing your voice to the Draft Ballarat Airport Master Plan when it is released for consultation mid-year.
In this edition of ourballarat, you’ll find other opportunities to imagine a better future for our city. From the bid for UNESCO World Heritage Listing of several significant sites across the Victorian Goldfields to the development of the City of Ballarat’s new Open Space Strategy, the City of Ballarat is working to deliver a better Ballarat both now and into the future.
In this edition you can also read about locals that are making Ballarat a great place to live. Meet the team behind a new ‘yarning garden’ project, which will provide a safe space for First Nations women to connect with culture, Country and each other. You’ll also read about the intercultural community groups that have grown the annual Harmony Festival featuring a calendar of more than 20 events.
There’s plenty happening in Ballarat throughout autumn. I’d encourage you to grab a cuppa and enjoy this edition of ourballarat.
Mayor,
Cr Des Hudson